Posted: 10th February 2021 | Back to news feed
As cold weather grips the United Kingdom, The Racehorse Sanctuary, a registered charity which rehabilitates and re-homes ex-racehorses, is asking horse lovers for help. The charity, which is based at Mulsey Farm in West Sussex, has seen its fundraising income all but dry up thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, and has launched its Winter Appeal to highlight its plight and raise desperately needed funds. It is hoped that horse and animal lovers will rally round to support it at this time of great need.
The charity has suffered an enormous drop in fundraising income over the past 12 months as the ongoing impact of Covid-19 takes its toll on the smallest charities. The Racehorse Sanctuary’s annual running costs are approximately £180,000, depending on veterinary requirements and fluctuations in the cost of forage and feed, but its usual fundraising activities are currently unable to take place. This has led to a black hole totaling tens of thousands of pounds.
Over £75,000 of fundraising income lost
The Racehorse Sanctuary sadly had to cancel an Autumn race day at Windsor last year and its regular charity fundraiser at Fontwell Park, due to take place this February, has also been cancelled. The race day at Windsor was set to raise at least £25,000 and the Fontwell charity day, held on National Spirit Hurdle Day every year, usually raises in the region of £35,000. The charity also had to cancel its 2020 Open Day, an event which raises £15,000 each year. As well as major fundraising losses such as these, the Sanctuary’s amazing band of supporters have also been unable to carry out their usual calendar of sponsored runs, tack sales and bucket shaking which all bring in much needed cash. The hole in the charity’s finances is clear, and it threatens its very survival.
To compound its difficulties, the charity has seen an uptick in horses which need its help, as their owners face financial difficulties of their own. Three horses who were rehomed by the Racehorse Sanctuary, and enjoyed several fantastic years with their new keeper, were relinquished back into the charity’s care in October. Their new owner simply couldn’t cope as the impact of Covid-19 on their own mental health and finances got too much. Thankfully, co-founder Graham Oldfield immediately stepped in to take the trio back into the care of the Sanctuary.
How to help
A one-off donation to the Winter Appeal. The Racehorse Sanctuary hopes that horse lovers and racing fans will offer their support this winter by donating to the Winter Appeal. Any amount, small or large, will help the charity carry on with its vital work. The Winter Appeal JustGiving page is live now and waiting for your visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/covidwinter
Become a friend of the Racehorse Sanctuary. Could you commit to donating a small amount to the Racehorse Sanctuary every month? Regular, reliable income means that the charity can plan ahead and buy essentials in bulk, making it more efficient and ensuring all money goes further. Become a friend of the Racehorse Sanctuary here: https://www.racehorsesanctuary.org/support/become-a-friend.asp
Start a fundraising initiative of your own! Lockdown can be downright boring if you have a little too much time on your hands, so why not dream up a fundraising idea for the Sanctuary? If you do come up with a fundraising challenge or initiative to help raise even more money for the Winter Appeal, the Racehorse Sanctuary can help publicise it on their social media channels and in their newsletter. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team via Facebook, Instagram or their website: https://www.racehorsesanctuary.org/
The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.